"Russian Expats Targeted: Allies of Putin Crack Down on Anti-War Voices Abroad"

The Russian rock band Bi-2, known for criticizing Putin's invasion of Ukraine, was detained in Thailand for working without a permit, sparking concerns of Kremlin's influence beyond its borders. The band's lead singer, labeled a "foreign agent" by Russian authorities, has fled to Israel, while the rest remain in a cramped migration prison. Calls from former U.S. ambassador to Russia and activist Bill Browder urge the U.S. State Department to pressure Thailand not to deport the band members to Russia, where they could face persecution. Human Rights Watch warns that those without dual citizenship could be at risk if deported to Russia.